Best PC controller for gaming and more
To get the best out of a PC gaming experience, a controller- whether wired or one with wireless connectivity- must be included as a compliment or a substitute for using a mouse and keyboard. The whole configuration of some games may end up being confusing and may not produce the desired effect as when a controller is used.
It is also important to note that a barrage of games ranging from racing games to fighting games and steam games is better enjoyed using a PC controller than the mouse and keyboard as gamers often use them.
One of the added advantages of using a PC controller is sitting in a relaxed and comfortable position in a game room instead of sitting up front, facing a computer screen while using the mouse and keyboard.
Best PC Controllers to Buy Right Now
Below is a list of the best PC controllers to introduce in a gaming set for a better experience.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The overall best wireless PC game controller
Price: $163.99
Specs:
This controller weighs 0.76 lbs (345g ±15g), uses USB Type-C, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz connectivity. It possesses an internal rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40 hours of gameplay.
Pros
- Possesses a detachable USB Type-C charging cord.
- The controller has multiple options for customization.
Cons
- It is very costly to acquire as a result of the numerous built-in properties of the controller.
- When compared to other controllers, the Series 2 is quite heavy.
- As a result of the diverse options for customization, the Microsoft Elite Series 2 controller is a complete luxe controller, which can be observed after use, even for a short period. All parts of this controller, including the analog stick, d-pads, and shift paddles, can be adjusted to fit the gamer’s comfort, thus rendering much control during gameplay.
This PC controller also comes with a case that serves a double function of a protective cover when the controller isn’t in use and a charger for its rechargeable battery. This PC game controller works with Bluetooth and can comfortably be paired with mobile phones and devices, and the mobile games are enjoyed fully. Irrespective of the price, it is the best PC controller for serious gamers who enjoy good quality performance and the ultimate level of customization.
Xbox Wireless Controller
The Most Reliable game controller
Price: $35.99
Specs:
This controller weighs 0.62 lbs (282g) with wireless Bluetooth connectivity and a 2x AA battery. Features to note include a textured grip, a share button, and a hybrid D-pad.
Pros
- It is affordable and very comfortable when used by most gamers
- It is officially supported by most games and thus compatible with a lot of games
- Also, it has a share button
Cons
- Absence of a rechargeable battery
- This controller works with rubber grips which makes it very comfortable in the hands of a gamer when used. It has a superior quality D-pad that can be used in fighting games without fear.
- The Share button permits the recording of interesting game clips and screenshots, thus reducing the need for going to the game menu to perform such actions.
This is the best PC controller in terms of its reliability because it reserves many properties that the Xbox One Wireless Controller possesses. Thus, the upgrade was well sought for.
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller
The Most Impressive Controller at the moment
Price: $69.00
Specs:
This PC controller weighs 0.46 lbs (210g) with USB type-C and Bluetooth connectivity. It also possesses a rechargeable battery, touchpad, and haptic triggers.
Pros
- Haptic feedback
- Adaptive triggers and trigger locks
- It also possesses very accurate analog sticks
Cons
- A short-lasting battery
- Support and compatibility on PC are quite limited
Sony has added haptic feedback to its new PS5 controller that makes you feel the environment, with adaptive trigger locks that provide tension and resistance when performing actions like pulling a bow or targets in the game. The rumble is graded as the best felt in any controller, thus making it live up to its hype.
The downside of the DualSense controller is that due to the incompatibility to the PC, the most advanced properties of this gaming controller do not work in computer games yet. Hence there is a need for reprogramming and updating the games to have access to these features.
Many companies like Steam have full support for the gamepad and a host of other steam controllers. It is not as comfortable as the Xbox controller and is a little complicated for steam games, but gamers who prefer the Sony analog stick and controller layout can go for this controller.
Astro C40 TR
Best Built for PS4 and most compatible with PC
Price: $398
Specs:
This controller weighs 0.68 lbs (320g), 2.4GHz wireless compartment, and is USB wired. It has a cord length of about 6ft (1.8m)
Pros
- Buttons that can assume a new layout and can be interchanged from their default position
- It can be easily worked on with a good prognosis for repair.
Cons
- The software interface can be challenging.
- The face buttons are difficult and sometimes impossible to replace
- Also, the unique feature of the C40 TR controller is the ability for the buttons, including the shoulder buttons and other parts of the controller, to be interchanged, swapped, and moved around.
The unique build quality of this controller allows the exchange of the D-pad for either left or right joystick to give an Xbox One type of outlook or to fix both analog sticks on the left and the D-pad taken to the right. This change of layout cannot be carried out with the face buttons as those are fixed.
This is the best PC controller in terms of compatibility with a computer system. The unique feature of the C40 TR controller is the ability for the buttons, including the shoulder buttons and other parts of the controller, to be interchanged, swapped, and moved around.
What to Know
The unique build quality of this controller allows the exchange of the D-pad for either left or right joystick to give an Xbox One type of outlook or to fix both analog sticks on the left and the D-pad taken to the right. This change of layout cannot be carried out with the face buttons as those are fixed.
It is important to note that this controller is the main alternative to the DualShock 4. The Astro C40 TR is synonymous with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller about PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The Astro C40 TR comes with its own Windows Software, which is of use to change the layout of the buttons. Individual profiles are there using Windows Software.
The sensitivity of the analog stick and the trigger can also be to fit user preference. It also possesses an earphone jack on the lower part of the controller. Regardless of the high price of the PC controller, it is usually popular by gamers to be worth every penny.
Power A Spectra
Most Cost-Effective PC Controller
Price: $44.99
Specs:
This wireless controller weighs 0.99 lbs (447g) and has micro USB connectivity. Features of note include a 3-way trigger lock and an LED edge lighting.
Pros
- As a result of its resemblance to the Xbox One controller, it is very comfortable and has a great feel of the buttons.
- It is relatively affordable, and the LED edge lighting gives it a cool feel and experience.
Cons
- There is no wireless connectivity
- Less than average trigger locks
- Being the closest to the design of an Xbox One controller though not one, the PowerA Spectra Advanced Controller is the best option for a low-budget or cost-effective controller. This controller’s entire gameplay, feel, and setup makes it nothing close to a cost-effective controller.
Being the closest to the design of an Xbox One controller though not one, the PowerA Spectra Advanced Controller is the best PC controller when looking for a low-budget or cost-effective gamepad.
This controller’s entire gameplay, feel, and setup makes it nothing close to a cost-effective controller.
The LED edge lighting feature gives it a unique outlook, with the 3-way trigger locks being useful components for gamers who participate in shooting contests. The major downside to this PC controller is the wired component in this era of wireless gaming.
Razer Wolverine Ultimate
Best PC controller with colorful looks
Price: $129.00
Specs:
This PC controller weighs 0.6 lbs (272g) with a USB wired connectivity and a cord length of about 10 ft (3m).
Pros
- The analog sticks can be readily exchanged along with the D-pad
- The face buttons are of optimum performance with good sounding
Cons
- In this era of wireless game controllers, this controller is quite expensive, bearing in mind that it is a wired controller.
- It requires separate software for its application and configuration.
This gamepad could easily be the best PC controller in stock at the moment, except for the fact that it has no wireless component. It features customizable back paddles and D-pads, all of which can be seen in the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller with almost the same price as the Xbox One Controller.
As seen in all Razer company items, the Chroma 3-headed green snake brand of RGB lighting is a signature of all Razer products. The face buttons labeled A, B, X and Y have a mouse-like click, making a huge difference in the gaming world. A downside of this controller is the use of separate software in the configuration of the controller.
FAQs
Can a console controller be used on a PC?
Yes. The different controllers will require various configurations and may need emulators for the first-time usage, but immediately after that is quite straightforward.
How are controllers tested?
Controllers use various games with different set-ups and cadres like fighting games, racing games, adventure games, etc. Many games are with a mouse and keyboard, but to have diversity in terms of experience and taste, the use of a controller must be an add-on. Some of the games used to test the controllers include:
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Street Fighter 5
- Katana Zero
- Forza Motorsport
Games that make use of first-person shooters like Call of Duty are not good options for testing PC game controllers as they can be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse.
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Conclusion
We’ve been able to break down the best PC controllers for PC gaming along with their pros and cons. This list should guide picking the most suitable controllers to suit any individual’s everyday gaming experience, budget, and the type of games and environment suited for a particular controller.
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